5.31.2012

Mark Teixeira is not a player I follow, but it is hard to not know who he is. Now with the New York Yankees, he has put time it with the: Rangers, Braves, and Angels. He and his wife started The Mark Teixeira Charitable Fund, through which he has done a lot of good things to help the community. Yearly Scholarships, helped build "a permanent home for the DREAM Charter School." (facebook page), and helped the Harlem RBI organization with funding.

Tim Lincecum

I believe I have sent to Timmy before, but it doesn't hurt to try again. Lincecum hasn't been the same frightening pitcher in the last couple years, and despite being a Diamondback fan with my eggs in another basket, I hope he can make his adjustments to get back to form. Tim has always struck me as a "David" in a "David and Goliath" situation. He looks so young and casual, almost an opposite to the one-time teammate Randy Johnson. When he started slumping, I was surprised to find myself really pulling for the guy. Get well soon, "freak".

Ian Kinsler

Mr. Kinsler has played with the Rangers for his entire career (6 years). I did enjoy hearing about his strong Jewish faith, and how difficult a decision he may have in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The Haaretz has an article where he was quoted in regard to possibly playing for Israel, "I would be happy to play for Team Israel," but he followed it up with, "The truth is that if a proposal comes from team USA to play for them, I will have a very difficult decision to make." This stood out for two reasons. One, I love seeing someone who is living a life of faith with honesty no matter what religion it is or if I personally believe that way myself. Secondly, I love seeing patriotism in others. This hit both. Good luck to you sir.

Brian McCann

Brian McCann is another single team player, putting in seven years with the Braves. Brian and his wife are actively supporting The Rally Foundation and the Rally Kids. His personally story is on his website. The Rally Kids are children who are facing and fighting childhood cancer. They give faces and stories behind the numbers. McCann directs his charitable work to these kids and the organization, as well as visits the children in the hospital when he can.

Rick Ankiel

Wow, Rick has been someone that I "pop" in on every so often to see how he is doing. By that I mean I keep tabs on him in box scores, stories and game recaps. Not so much home visits or phone calls. It is fascinating to me that he went from pitching at the highest level, to reinventing himself to become a position player back at the "show". To me, it is not only the position change, but to be good at both positions that you can make a valuable contribution to a team at a major league level. He is like a one sport "Bo Jackson". By itself that last sentence sounds really stupid (and I am cutting myself a break by adding the "by itself" qualifier)

5.29.2012

As I have said before, I would rather not use EBay to build my collection. On the other hand, when I can pick up a signed card that I do not have for less than five dollars (including shipping), I need to pick it up. I am glad to be able to add this card to our collection.

5.25.2012

Jack Cust was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2001, but spent most of his time with the Oakland A's. Jack's father founded Jack Cust Baseball Academy which is under the Diamond Nation parent company umbrella along with Jennie Finch's Softball Academy.

Jim Thome

The one thing that stands out to me about Jim Thome, is the stories about how great a person he is. In a letter, Pat Neshek named Thome as one of the better guys he has had experienced with. ESPN did a story on his character, and I have seen it pop up on yahoo sports as well.

5.21.2012

This weekend, my wife and I spent some time cleaning up our room. When I sat down tonight at my desk, I saw an envelope my wife had put at my keyboard. Inside was a return from Josh Hamilton. Looking at the envelope, it seems to have come in on December 20th 2010. That puts the length waiting for a reply at 311 days. I remember getting this in now that I hold it in front of me, but I am surprised that I had not remembered this card when I was getting this blog started up again.

5.18.2012

Sent another two attempts out today. My son helped write one of the letters, which is a first. We will see how long he stays interested (waiting months for a return is not a 6 year old's idea of a good time), but as of right now he is looking at the signed cards every night.

J.J. Putz

J.J. Putz, the closer for the Diamondbacks. Last year he helped bring stability to a team that could lose a game after leading 10 - 0 in the 7th inning. This year he has not been as solid, but hopefully he can turn around. My son helped me write to Mr. Putz.

Juan Pierre

I attempted Mr. Pierre earlier, thought I would try again. My 3yr old was also interested recently, so I thought I would try to start a 2010 Ginter set for him. I found that I had a 2008 and 2010 card for Juan Pierre so I sent him another attempt.

5.16.2012

How does one forget a TTM return? Well a good formula is not blog about it for a while and misplace the card. Sorry Casey, you take the time to sign for me and my son and I treat you with such disrespect. It shall not happen again.

Sending out my first cards since 2010. One of the individuals in this attempt, I have sent out before. The other is a shot in the dark, but is the new home town star.

Albert Pujols

Albert is the new star in town, and finally got the Home Run monkey off his back recently. I hope to take the family to see a Diamondbacks vs Angels soon, maybe get a peek at the home run swing. It will be fun to see him play in person

Orlando Hudson

I attempted Mr. Hudson earlier, actually I think it was even my first TTM attempt. I thought I would try again. I love Hudson's personality, especially when he is on a mic.

5.14.2012

Recently when going through some unorganized cards, I found this sketch card. A while back I had been sitting at my desk at work looking at a blank insert sketch card, wondering if I should enter the contest. I decided not to enter the contest but to draw anyway, because I can't pass up a chance to doodle.

I drew Chris Young of the Diamondbacks based off of his 2010 Topps 206 card. After further review, and at least a year later, I feel it is decent enough to share.

5.12.2012

The final card that I received back was such a surprise. Each card I receive back is special and appreciated don't get me wrong, but some responses are really unexpected and amazing.

When trying to decide who to send the Albert Einstein card, I settled on Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper - The Big Bang Theory) for his portrayal of a genius experimental physicist on Television. The Big Bang Theory has got to by my favorite show on the air, so I had to send the card out even though it was a "shot in the dark".

I didn't want to simply send the Einstein card and not have a Sheldon card signed, so I created a custom card. I send a few of the custom cards with the hopes of having one returned signed and the rest for him to keep. He sent them all back signed.

5.10.2012

A lot has happened since my last post. Perhaps the biggest thing, the thing that has made the most impact on my free time, is a new job. Don't get me wrong, my job is amazing, but it also demands so much time.

I have had a couple TTM Success' since my last post over a year ago, and those returns have been exciting. I felt the need to pull out the blog, blow the dust off and share.

The first response I will present is Andre Ethier. This response took a while, but I am glad it came back. I am far from a Dodger fan as many people know, but I am a baseball fan and am excited to have this in my collection.